Microsoft’s Xbox Series X game consoles allow users to conserve power using the “Power saver” and “Standby” options, but the “Standby” mode consumes 20 times more power than the power-saving mode when the console is not in use.
However, a new report from The Verge claims that Microsoft is testing a new update to Xbox performance-related settings for members of the Xbox Insider Program.
Currently, Xbox power saving options are available in the sleep and start menu, here users are presented with two options: power saving mode and standby mode, in which users must keep their consoles in standby mode for the remote control functions to work.
And now Microsoft is reportedly letting Xbox Insider users test a new power-saving menu in the General section of Settings, as the new Power Options section includes a power meter where users can find their power usage.
Power Save and Standby modes have been renamed to Off and Sleep, and the power meter shows how much power your Xbox console uses when it’s not in use.
A screenshot shared on Twitter shows that the Xbox’s energy-efficient shutdown mode consumes 0.5 watts of power, compared to the 13-15 watts it would in sleep mode.
However, it is important to note that setting off will allow the console to update automatically overnight, which can lead to increased power consumption, and to prevent this, users must manually disconnect the console from the power supply, as another option is to turn off automatic updates.
It’s currently exclusive to Xbox Insiders, and Microsoft hasn’t announced any official details regarding the new power-saving features on Xbox consoles.